Le Samouraï (1967)? Criterion teases 2013 release - Blu-ray Forum

retablo · 01-07-2013, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinemach

I would like Criterion to release Le Samourai sooner rather than later as well. But we know that they are not going to use the Pathe transfer; or are at least doing what they can with it, if for some reason they are contractually obligated to use it, up to and including not using the restoration at all and commissioning their own.

So that's why there is trepidation about the clue definitively being for Le Samourai.

How do we "know" that? If Janus is the distributor, Criterion is obligated to use whatever master is provided, which in this case will the the Pathe transfer. Pathe did a wonderful job on Tess, and after what happened with Children of Paradise, there's no indication that whatever Criterion releases will definitely be on that level.

The only problem I see is that Criterion never issued a formal statement regarding the PQ on Children of Paradise... presumably because they had no say in the matter.

PowellPressburger · 01-07-2013, 08:46 PM

I think we all mean that god awful French Pathe BLU released sometime back.

If they given the same transfer and are forced to use it much like Children of Paradise then the powers that be at Criterion Need to step up and demand better transfers. Otherwise the company's reputation will be damaged.

The Great Owl · 01-07-2013, 08:48 PM

The Criterion Blu-rays of Melville's Army of Shadows and Le Cercle Rouge are ace, so I would expect no less from this one.

Cinemach · 01-07-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retablo

How do we "know" that? If Janus is the distributor, Criterion is obligated to use whatever master is provided, which in this case will the the Pathe transfer. Pathe did a wonderful job on Tess, and after what happened with Children of Paradise, there's no indication that whatever Criterion releases will definitely be on that level.

The only problem I see is that Criterion never issued a formal statement regarding the PQ on Children of Paradise... presumably because they had no say in the matter.

It's a figure of speech. Did you read the rest of my post? I address the fact that if they might be contractually obligated to release this problematic transfer, they might just be trying to do everything in their power to correct it if they can.

We do know that they are aware of the backlash for Children of Paradise's transfer/release. We know they don't want a repeat of that.

If indeed this release is on the docket for sooner, conditionally speaking.

Banned User · 01-07-2013, 09:53 PM

Isn't the person hanging from the clock tower Harold Loyd

One window could be Gate of Hell. Which MoC just recently released.

retablo · 01-07-2013, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banned User

Isn't the person hanging from the clock tower Harold Loyd

Yes, Safety Last.

Roy Batty · 01-07-2013, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinemach

We do know that they are aware of the backlash for Children of Paradise's transfer/release. We know they don't want a repeat of that.

Do we? Am I not questioning you, I am honestly asking about the source for that. Has Criterion released any statement? Has anybody commented the issue on the Criterion thread?

I really hope there was a backlash indeed and people voted with their wallets (I know I did, and scratched it from my wishlist), enough to make Criterion stop and listen.

retablo · 01-07-2013, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinemach

It's a figure of speech. Did you read the rest of my post? I address the fact that if they might be contractually obligated to release this problematic transfer, they might just be trying to do everything in their power to correct it if they can.

We do know that they are aware of the backlash for Children of Paradise's transfer/release. We know they don't want a repeat of that.

If indeed this release is on the docket for sooner, conditionally speaking.

Well, yes, we know they don't want a repeat of Children of Paradise, but if their hands are tied, what can they do? Like I said, Pathe's restoration of Tess is excellent, so there's no guarantee that any Criterion release of Le Samouri would even be problematic. If indeed the DNR was added after the restoration, they could very well go back to the restored source and use that.

K-Shaps · 01-07-2014, 09:36 PM

Will we ever get this on Blu-ray in the US?

Millibar · 06-30-2014, 09:20 PM

Seeing as the French release has slumped in price recently perhaps it's wishful thinking but could there be a new region B release in the offing?
I would've bought this from France but have been put off by the poor reception to the transfer.

Fiffy · 07-14-2015, 03:37 PM

So, Criterion has released a 1080p version of this movie on iTunes today:

https://www.blu-ray.com/itunes/Le-Sa...-iTunes/15287/

Any news about the rumored Blu-ray release?

insomniac013 · 07-14-2015, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiffy

So, Criterion has released a 1080p version of this movie on iTunes today:

https://www.blu-ray.com/itunes/Le-Sa...-iTunes/15287/

Any news about the rumored Blu-ray release?

I hope there's a Blu Ray on the way

Fiffy · 07-14-2015, 06:33 PM

So, I just purchased the iTunes version (this movie is just too great to pass up), and it's a big improvement over the Criterion DVD version and a "pseudo-HD" (upconverted) version that I recorded from TV a while ago. Mind you, it's not on the same level as other classics that have been restored from original negatives or well-preserved theatrical prints, but it's now very watchable considering the lack of first-class source material.

I'm still puzzled about Criterion's release strategy though. Has it ever happened before that they released a digital download but no disc?

01-07-2013, 08:46 PM	#2
PowellPressburger Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:DIFFERENT PLACES! Minneapolis 4K collection:1003 Blu-ray collection:3678 DVD collection:359 Blu-ray reviews: 51 Trading Score:299	I think we all mean that god awful French Pathe BLU released sometime back. If they given the same transfer and are forced to use it much like Children of Paradise then the powers that be at Criterion Need to step up and demand better transfers. Otherwise the company's reputation will be damaged. Last edited by PowellPressburger; 01-07-2013 at 08:49 PM.

01-07-2013, 09:53 PM	#5
Banned User Blu-ray Guru Member since:Mar 2010 4K collection:137 Blu-ray collection:2397 DVD collection:92 Blu-ray reviews: 5	Isn't the person hanging from the clock tower Harold Loyd One window could be Gate of Hell. Which MoC just recently released. Last edited by Banned User; 01-07-2013 at 09:57 PM.

01-07-2013, 08:48 PM	#3
The Great Owl Blu-ray Archduke Member since:Dec 2012 Location:Georgia 4K collection:924 Blu-ray collection:6033 DVD collection:28 Blu-ray reviews: 255 Trading Score:6	The Criterion Blu-rays of Melville's Army of Shadows and Le Cercle Rouge are ace, so I would expect no less from this one.

01-07-2014, 09:36 PM	#9
K-Shaps Member Member since:Feb 2012 Location:South Pasadena, CA 4K collection:121 Blu-ray collection:437 DVD collection:7	Will we ever get this on Blu-ray in the US?

06-30-2014, 09:20 PM	#10
Millibar Special Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2013 Location:Surrey, UK 4K collection:49 Blu-ray collection:1407 DVD collection:111	Seeing as the French release has slumped in price recently perhaps it's wishful thinking but could there be a new region B release in the offing? I would've bought this from France but have been put off by the poor reception to the transfer.

07-14-2015, 03:37 PM	#11
Fiffy Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2007 Location:San Jose, CA Trading Score:4	So, Criterion has released a 1080p version of this movie on iTunes today: https://www.blu-ray.com/itunes/Le-Sa...-iTunes/15287/ Any news about the rumored Blu-ray release?

07-14-2015, 06:33 PM	#13
Fiffy Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2007 Location:San Jose, CA Trading Score:4	So, I just purchased the iTunes version (this movie is just too great to pass up), and it's a big improvement over the Criterion DVD version and a "pseudo-HD" (upconverted) version that I recorded from TV a while ago. Mind you, it's not on the same level as other classics that have been restored from original negatives or well-preserved theatrical prints, but it's now very watchable considering the lack of first-class source material. I'm still puzzled about Criterion's release strategy though. Has it ever happened before that they released a digital download but no disc?

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals